Game board



April 22, 1941., M. J. SEINZ 2,239,449

GAME BOARD Filed July 7, 1939 71274 4 INVENTOR.

Melvin John Senz Wm BY ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 22, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GAME BOARD Melvin John Senz, Port Angeles, Wash. Application July '1, 1939, Serial No. 283,148

3 Claims.

My invention relates to the art of games. More particularly, it relates to a game whereby checkers, men, or counters, which may be of any desired character, including marbles or the like, are moved along designated paths to designated stations located at the inner and outer points of coaxially and symmetrically positioned stars in order to occupy certain stations which give the privilege of removing one of the counters of opponent.

A primary object of my invention is to provide a game which will be interesting and entertain-, ing, as well as instructive in developing the perceptive powers in recognizing the relative position determined by triangle and straight line relationships of the checkers, counters or marbles used as playing members, such members herein'after being referred to as counters.

The above mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, are attained by the device illustrated in the following drawing, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of my invention, throughout which drawing like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 represents a preferred form in plan view of the device embodying myinvention;

Fig. 2 represents a modified form in plan View of said invention.

Fig. 3 is a view in cross section of a station having the opening extending through the board, as a marble receiving means; and

Fig. 4 is a View of a modified form of station showing a recess in the board, as a marble receiving means.

Ingeneral I provide groups of substantially coaxially and symmetrically disposed stars, the outer angle points of each star being connected to form a plurality of triangles, each triangle extending about two adjacent outer angle points of a star and the intermediate inner point thereof. All of the inner and outer angle points of each star, such as I, 2 and 3, form stations which may be a designation on a. flat surface, or when the counter is in the form of marble, the stationmay be a hole in the board, as in Fig. 3 or in a recess as in Fig. 4. For purposes of illustration, the stations of the innermost star are numbered I to l2, inclusive; the stations of the intermediate star have their stations numbered I3 to 24, inclusive; and the stations of the outermost star have their stations numbered 25 to 36, inclusive. Those stations at the inner angle points of each of the stars, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, l0 and I2 of the innermost star, are called inner point stations and those stations at the outer angle points ,ofeach of the stars are called outer point stations, such as l, 3, 5, 1, 9 and II of theinnermost star. Each of the corresponding inner angle points of the respective stars is connected by lines to provide line playing paths on radial lines, for example, playing paths between stations 26, i4 and 2. Lines or playing paths follow the sides of the stars, as playing paths 3? and 38 which follow sides of the innermost star and join the inner point station 2 to the outer point stations I and 3 respectively. This will exemplify the playing paths joining the other points of the stars. Playing path 39 joins outer point stations I and 3, while playing path 40 joins outer point station 3 mo outer point station 5 and so on with respect to the outer point stations of each star to form a polygon, i. e., in this instance a polygon about the innermost star. Playing path 4| joins inner point station l to inner point station N5 of the intermediate star and playing path 42 joins inner poinlt station Hi to inner point station 28 of the outer start. That is, inner point stations 4, l6 and 28 are on the same radial line and are joined by said playing paths, and so on with respect to the other inner point stations.

In playing the game there would be two sides or two players, for example, A and B. Each player will be given, for example, twelve counters. These may be in the form of checkers or marbles, each twelve men having a distinctive identification characteristic, such as color or form. All theinner and outer points of the stars, such as l, 2 and 3, which form the stations, are preferably provided with recesses in the face of the board in which the marble counters may be held.

The object of the game is to eliminate the counters of opponent from the board. For purposes of illustrating the game it will be. assumed that As counters are of a light color, whereas Bs counters are of a dark color. A and B may draw or flip a coin in order to determine which is to start first, and then alternately as ,the turns arrive A and B place their counters at the stations which each deems most strategic until all twelve counters have been placed.

The rules of the game may be:

Rule 1.--The parties alternate in placing-the counters.

Rule 2.A player getting threeof his counters in each of the angle points of a triangle, which is formed about two adjacent outer angle points of a star and the intermediate angle-point thereof, or getting three of his counters in a radial playing path, disposed between inner angle points of the stars, has the privilege of removing one of the counters of his opponent.

Rule 3.In removing the counters, such right does not include the right to remove a counter of the opponent, which, with other counters of the opponent is in a position forming a completed triangle or line relationship, but all other counters are subject to being removed.

Rule 4.After the counters are placed they can be moved from station to station on designated playing paths and not past a station for that particular move.

Rule. 5.Counters can be moved back and forth, and if such player forms a triangle relationship or forms three in said radial row relationship, then it counts anew, giving the right to remove one of his opponents counters. v

Rule 6.A player may succeed in getting his counters to occupy stations where he can move from one triangle to another and thereby establish the formation of a triangle, i. e., have his counters occupy the three stations of agiven triangle and thereby he will gain the privilege of removing one of his opponents counters. This gaining control of two triangles, whereby the moving of one counter can function to count each time it is moved from one triangle to another, is termed in the game the double triangle or double killer. This likewise applies to said three in a radial row.

Rule 7.-The winner is the player who succeeds in removing all of his opponents counters.

Rule 8.-This rule is optional. When a player is reduced to three counters, thereafter he may move, on a given turn, one of his counters from any station to any other station, irrespective of Whether there are playing paths joining the sam or not.

Illustrating Rules 2 and 3.--If A has counters located in stations I and 2 and then. gets a counter in station 3, he then has the right to remove one of the counters of B which does not form part of a completed triangle or straight line relationship. Also if A occupies inner point station 2 and inner point station It, and then occupies with one of his counters inner point station 26, he has three counters in line relationship, and this likewise gives him the privilege of removing one of the counters of B, which does form a part of a completed triangle or straight line relationship.

Illustrating Rule 5.We will assume that A has counters occupying stations 2 and 3 and stations I I and I2. A may then move his counter on I2 into station I and thereby establish the relationship of a triangle between stations I], 2 and 3 and thereby obtain the right to remove one of the counters of B. Upon his next move he may move the counter from station I to station I2 and be in a position upon his next move thereafter to move the counter from station I2 back to station I and thus reestablishing a triangular relationship and again have the privilege of removing one of the counters of B. The same applies to having three counters in a row on the inner point stations as 2, I4 and 26, and any one counter may be moved out of the row and then back to reestablish the three in a row relationship.

Illustrating rule 6.--Assuming that A has counters occupying stations I, 2 and 3 and also counters occupying stations 9 and III, he is in a position for moving his counters from station I to station II thereby establishing a triangular relationship between stations 9, I and II, which gives the privilege of removing one of his opponents counters. Upon his next move he may move the counter from station I I to station I and thereby reestablish a triangular relationship of stations I, 2 and 3 and again have the privilege of removing one of the counters of B. On the next move he may move his counter from station I to station II and thus on each move reestablish a triangular relationship which gives the privilege of removing one of the counters of B. Or he may combine a triangular relationship with the three in a row relationship. For example, he may have counters occupying stations I5, IG and I7 and stations 2 and 25. He may now move his counter in station IE to station I4 and thereby establish three in a row, viz., counters in stations 2, I4 and 26 which would give the privilege of removing one of the counters of B. On his next move he may movethe counter from station I4 back to station I5 and thereby reestablish the relationship of the triangle between stations I5, I6 and II, which gives the privilege of removing one of the counters of B. On his next move he may move from station I5 back to station I4 and thereby make each move of the counter create the privilege of removing one of the counters of B. This is called the double triangle or double killer relationship.

It will be understood that besides having counters to occupy these particular stations mentioned above, it Will be necessary for A to have so disposed his counters as to occupy stations which will protect the stations forming the triangles which he is employing to form the triangular relationship, as well as the three inner point stations employed in forming the three in a row. Otherwise B will promptly move one of his counters into position to break up the relationship of the stations which provides for removing one of the counters of B.

The operation of the game will be illustrated by assuming that A and B are the players, and by setting forth the steps of the game played on the game board, move by move. It will be assumed that B wins the draw for first play and selects station 2!) as the one on which he places one of his counters. In "selecting 20 B was motivated in taking a station which had four paths in which to move, rather than one which had only three Ways to travel, such as station 8.

It now being As turn, he'places his first counter on station 22.

B places his second counter on station 29.

A places his next counter on station I 8.

B places his next counter on station IS.

A places his next counter on station 5.

B places his next counter on station 28.

A places his. next counter on station 4, thereby blocking B from gaining the relationship of three in a straight row on the radial paths joining inner point stations 4, I B and 28.

B places his next counter on station 21, thereby establishing a triangular relationship of his counters in stations 21, 28. and 29. lished this relationship, B.gains the privilege of removing one of his opponents (As) counters. It will be noted that A could not prevent B in this regard because B had so arranged his counters as to develop two possibilities, either the forming of three in a row in stations 4, I6 and 28, or three in a triangle relationship in stations 21, 28 and 29. B removes As counter on station 5.

A. on his next move placesanew his counteron station 5.

Having estab- .and' 30.

'B then places his next counter on station 3 and thereby prevents A from establishing a triangular relationship of counters in stations 3, 4, and 5.

A then places his next'counter on station 6. Thus A in turn has created two possibilities. On his next move he may establish triangular relationship with his counters between stations 6, 6, and or in a radial line in stations 6, I8 and38.

B on his next move places his counters on station I, thereby blocking A from establishing a triangular relationship with his counters in stations 5, 6 and I.

A on his next move places his counter in station 38, thereby establishing three in a radial rowin inner point stations 6, I8 and 30. This gives A the privilege of removing one of Bs counters. Accordingly, he removes Bs counter in station I.

B, upon his next turn, places anew a counter in station I.

A, upon his turn, places his next counter in station 8.

B on his turn places his next counter in station 24.

A on his next move places a counter on station 32.

B places his next counter on station 35.

A places his next counter on station 33.

B on his next move places his counter on station 3|, thereby blocking. A from establishing a triangular relationship of his counters in stations 3 I, 32 and 33.

A on his next move places his next counter on station 2|.

B places his last or twelfth counter in station 23. y

A places his last or twelfth counter on station 26.

From here on the players move their counters already placed.

It being Bs next move, B moves from 35 to 36, having as his objective the establishing of three in a radial line in stations '36, 24 and I2.

A moves from I8 to I9, thereby opening his three in a row in stations 6, I8 and 38.

B then moves from I6 to H.

A moves back from station I9 to I8 and thereby reestablishing or again forming three in a radial row in inner point stations 6, I8 and 39, thereby gaining the privilege of removing one of Bs counters. A elects to take B's counter on station His motive in removing this particular counter was to remove the threat of B moving up into station I8 and thereby destroying the possibility of A moving from I9 back to I8 and reestablishing his three in a radial row.

B moves from station 28 to station I6.

A moves from station I8 to I9, thereby again opening up his three in a row in stations 6, I8 In making this move A overlooked the fact that B is about to move from station I6 to 28, which would give him the privilege of removing any of As counters which are not already in a three in a row relationship or in a triangular relationship.

B moves from station I6 to 28, thereby reestablishing the triangular relationship of 21, 28 and 29 which grants him the privilege of removing one of As counters and B elects to take As counter in station 39.

A moves from station 8 to 9 with the idea of establishing three in a radial line in stations II], 22 and 34. It will be noted that A at this point has a counter on stations 9, 2| and 33, but this three in a row does not count as these stations are not connected by playing paths or lines.

i in station 30.

B moves from station 24 to I2 with the object in mind of establishing three-in a row in stations 36, 24 and I2.

A moves from station 9 to II].

B moves from station 23 to 24, thereby establishing the relationship of three of his counters in a row on apex stations on radial line or playing path joining inner point stations 36, 24 and I2, giving him the privilege of removing one of As counters and B takes'As counter on station 22, thereby breaking up the intended combination of A forming three in a row on inner point station "I0, 22 and 34, as A could establish such relationship by moving his counter on station 33 to 34.

A now moves from station 2| to 22, thus attempting to again put another of his counters to establish the relationship of three in a row in inner point stations I 0, 22 and 34.

B moves from station 29 to 38.

A moves from station 33 to 34, thereby establishing finallythe three in a row in stations I9, 22 and 34, givinghim the privilege of removing one of BS counters. A elects to take Bs counter B moves from station 24 to 23.

A moves from station 32 to 33.

B moves from station 3| to 29, thereby reestablishing the triangular relationship formed by stations 21, 28 and 29, giving him the privilege to remove one of As counters. counter on station 33.

A moves from station 26 to 25.

B moves from station 29 to 3|, thereby reopening his triangular relationship in station 21, 28 and 29.

A moves from station 4 to I6, with the idea of establishing a triangular relationship of counters in stations I'|, I9 and I8.

B moves from 3| to 29, thereby reestablishing the triangular relationship of counters in stations 21, 26 and 29, giving him the privilege of removing one of As counters. B elects to take As counter on station 6, thereby hindering the establishment by'A of three in a row in stations 6, I8 and 38.

A now moves from station 5 to 6.

B moves from station 29 to 30. I

A moves from stationIB to II, with the idea of forming instead of a line relationship of counters in stations 6, I8-and 39, a triangular relationship of counters in stations I'I, I8 and I9.

B moves from station 23 to 24, thereby reestablishing three in a row in inner point stations 36, 24 and I2, giving him the privilege of removing one of As counters. B elects to remove As counter on station 6, thereby preventing A from establishing a triangular relationship on stations I'|,'|8 andI9.

B moves from station 24 to I3.

A moves from station 22 to 23.

B moves from station 30 to 29, thereby again reestablishing the triangular relationship of counters in stations 21, 28 and 29, giving B the privilege of removing one of As counters. B elects to remove As counter on station 23.

A moves from station I9 to 2 I.

B takes As B moves from station I3 to 24, thereby establishing the three in a row relationship in inner point stations 36, 24 and I2, giving him the right to remove one of As counters. B elects to remove As counter on station I0, and thereby preventing the formation by A of three in a row in stations III, 22 and 34.

A moves from station 25 to 35.

B moves from station 24 to l3.

A moves from station 2| to 22.

B moves from station l3 to 24, thereby again establishing the three in a row relationship in stations 36, 24 and I2, giving B the right to remove one of As counters, and accordingly removes As counter on station 34.

At this point as A has no chance of reestablishing a triangular relationship, or a relationship of three in a row, and accordingly he loses the game, as it being needless to continue the moves.

A preferable additional rule is that whenever one of the players is reduced to three counters, that he then shall have the privilege of moving one of his counters on a given move from any station to any other station without regard to playing paths.

To illustrate the playing of the game with this rule, the game may continue as follows:

A on his next move moves his counter from station I! to station 33.

B then moves his counter from station 28 to I6.

A then moves his counter from station 22 to station 34, thereby establishing a triangular relationship of his counters in stations 33, 34 and 35, giving him the privilege of removing one of Bs counters. A elects to remove Bs counter on station l6.

B then moves from station l2 to station I.

A then moves from station 35 to station l2.

B then moves from station 21 to 26.

A then moves from station I2 to 35, thereby reestablishing his triangular relationship in stations 33, 34 and 35, giving A the right to remove one of Bs counters. A removes Bs counter on station 24.

B then moves from station I to station 5.

A moves from station 34 to 22.

B moves from station 3 to 4.

A moves from station 22 to 34, thereby reestablishing a triangular relationship in stations 33, 34 and 35, giving him the privilege of removing one of Bs counters. A removes Bs counter on station I.

B then moves from station 26 to 14.

A moves from station 34 to 22.

B moves from station 14 to 2.

A moves from station 22 back to 34, thereby reestablishing a triangular relationship in stations 33, 34 and 35, thereby giving him the privilege of removing one of Bs men. A removes Bs counter on station 2.

B moves from station 36 to 24.

A moves from station 34 to 22.

B moves from station 24 to l2.

A moves from station 22 back to 34, thereby reestablishing the triangular relationship in stations 33, 34 and 35 and giving him the privilege of removing one of Bs counters and he removes Bs counter on station 4.

B then moves from station 29 to 28.

A moves from station 34 to 22. I

B moves from station 28 to 16.

A moves back from station 22 to 34, thereby reestablishing a triangular relationship in stations 33, 34 and 35 and thereby is given the privilege of removing one of Bs counters. A removes Bs counter on station 5.

B isnow down to three counters. B has the privilege of moving his counters without regard to playing paths. B moves from station 20 to 28. A moves from 34 to. 4, thereby blocking B from establishing three in a row on stations 28, I6 and 4.

B moves from station l2 to 34.

A moves from station 4 to 22.

B moves from station 34 to 4 and reestablishes his three in a row relationship on stations I6, 28 and 4, thereby giving him the privilege of removing one of As counters. He removes As counter on station 22 and wins the game. Fig. 2' represents a modified form in which instead of having the inner point stations of the stars connected by playing paths, the outer point stations of the stars are connected, such as I, I3 and 25, stations ,3, l5 and 21, etc., without having the inner points stations connected. This form is not deemed as desirable as the preferred form because a counter on station, as l3, would have five pathways along which to move, while a counter on station 2, l4 and 23 would only have two paths on which to move. Thus, the discrepancy is too great. In the preferable form the counters have three and four paths on which to travel, thereby making the value of the stations more uniform.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions and arrangement of the parts of my invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

I claim:

1. A game board comprising a plurality of concentrically and symmetrically disposed stars; playing paths coincident with the sides of said stars; playing paths forming a polygon about each star and connecting between the outer angle points of such star; radially extending playing paths connecting between corresponding angle points of the stars; and counter receiving means disposed at the inner1 and outer points of each star.

2. A game board comprising a plurality of concentrically and symmetrically disposed stars; playing paths coincident with the sides of said stars; playing paths forming a polygon about each star and connecting between the outer angle points of such star; radially extending playing paths connecting between the inner angle points of the stars; and counter receiving means disposed at the inner and outer points of each star.

3. A game board comprising three concentrically and symmetrically disposed stars; playing paths coincident with the sides of said stars;

playing paths forming a polygon about each star MELVIN JOHN SENZ. 

